Thought processes and conversations started under the tilted cap of Tropicana Field. Someday everyone will know the Rays play in St. Petersburg, Florida, not TAMPA, or the fictitious city of TAMPA BAY.

Rays Lose Another First Rounder to Injury

It was announced today that another one of the powerful pitchers from the ex-Rice National Championship squad will go down with an injury that will keep him off the mound in 2009. Tampa Bay Rays RHP prospect Wade Townsend, the first-round pick in 2005, underwent surgery on his right shoulderin Alabama, and it is really doubtful he’ll pitch in the 2009 season, according to Mitch Lukevics, the Rays’ director of minor league operations.

Townsend, 25, has done his share of rehabbing during his professional career. The former Rice standout spent the 2006 season working his way back from Tommy John Surgery, and was shut down in August 2007 due to arm soreness.

Townsend went a combined 1-6 with a 6.08 ERA with both Class-A Vero and Class-AA Montgomery in 2008. He made three starts in the Arizona Fall League, going 2-0 with an 8.44 ERA before getting shut down.

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